Hollywood superstars Ben Affleck and Matt Damon have teamed up to launch Artist Equity, a brand new movie production platform. Red Bird Capital Partners, a private investment firm, is providing Artist Equity with $100 million in funding to aid them in becoming an independent production company. This venture was created for entrepreneurs looking for long-term investments that are flexible; it works by utilizing the partnership of businessmen who strive to build companies quickly.
To do their part in protecting the film industry, which is being jeopardized by Netflix’s massive amount of content production each year, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon have stepped forth into the realm of filmmaking. As per Ben, making movies requires creative vision and effort that cannot be rushed or replicated; with Netflix churning out up to fifty films a year, they are sacrificing quality for quantity. By taking on this task themselves, these two stars can ensure that each movie gets its due time to create something truly special.
Many Hollywood celebs, directors, and writers have expressed frustration with their income in the era of streaming platforms which has adversely impacted their financial contracts. This is especially true after these platforms refused to share revenue from successful films with the artists involved.
Scarlett Johansson is one of the many celebrities that have taken legal action against The Walt Disney Company for airing her movie “Black Widow” in tandem with showrooms on their live streaming platform. By doing so, they breached her contract and caused financial strain to her.
A new step in film production
Not only are Ben Affleck and Matt Damon in the business of nurturing up-and-coming actors and independent films, but they have also ventured into producing their own projects. This production company will emphasize content over copious production like Netflix does and give filmmakers a portion of profits – an effort to strengthen artist involvement. With this initiative from two beloved film stars, it is clear that they care deeply about creating meaningful art with lasting effects.
When asked about his newest venture in an interview, Ben Affleck stated that the purpose of this company is to impartially share its profits with writers, directors, stars and also those who are paid little for their work as photographers or fashion designers. As for roles within the company itself; Affleck will be serving as chief executive officer while Damon takes on the position of chief creative officer.
Throughout Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s 30-year journey in the film industry, their works have raked in an astounding $10.7 billion at the global box office and 3 Academy Awards. According to Affleck himself, “I understand exactly what freedoms artists need and how they can be supported.”
Long history of friendship
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon share a longstanding bond, as Ben revealed to an interviewer. They first crossed paths in the early eighties when they were merely 8 and 10-years-old; living side by side in their respective neighborhoods. Before meeting Matt, Ben supposedly lived quite isolated – Acting was something he chose to do all on his own since none of the other kids around him seemed interested or inclined towards it. But soon enough, suddenly there came along his companion who had similar interests and eventually became one with whom he could share that passion for acting with!
The two bonded more over time and eventually co-starred in their debut movie, “Field of Dreams,” that premiered in 1989.
In 2007, they embarked on a frequent journey to New York City for auditions.
Recounting our journey, Affleck reminisced: “We took both the train and plane – it only cost us $20 to fly. To appear adult-like, we shamefully smoked like chimneys. It was sheer foolishness.”
In an interview with Forbes magazine, Affleck recalled his experience writing the screenplay for Good Will Hunting. He shared that he and collaborator Matt Damon rented a house on Venice Beach in Italy before their funds depleted and forced them to relocate to an apartment. Furthermore, they lived together everywhere from Hollywood to Eagle Rock during this process.
During his sit-down with Entertainment Weekly last January, Affleck shared a heartfelt sentiment to Damon: “Our friendship has been absolutely integral and indispensable in my life. There were moments I didn’t want anyone else around me but having your support was immensely meaningful – it’s impossible for me to think of success without you.”
New collaboration
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon have partnered with Amazon Studios and Skydance to produce a dramatic feature film about the success of Nike’s deal with Michael Jordon. The two actors will write, direct, and star in the movie.
For the upcoming movie, Ben Affleck portrays the co-founder of Nike while Matt Damon steps into Sonny Vaccaro’s shoes as the former CEO who was influential in sealing a contract with 80s icon Michael Jordon.
The unnamed Amazon movie is based on Vaccaro’s incredible journey of striking the sneaker pact with Gordon; however, Jordon will not be shown in the film and instead stay a secret character.
